Nintendo Entertainment System (aka Famicom)

Region Free on the US Toploader model, PAL system Region Free with hardware modification only

Introduction

First off, it’s worth noting that the USA toploading NES is region-free by design, and more stable to boot – because it’s toploading rather than the VCR-copycat of the regular NES, you will never have to worry about the cart slot wearing out and have to do a hardware modification anyway to get the NES to play carts again. Also note that Famicom cartridges will not play on an EU or USA NES without either a Honeybee adaptor, or by using the guide below.

Guide 1 – Getting a Famicom converter on the cheap

You will need this guide if you wish to play Famicom games on either a shoebox NES or a toploader. Furthermore, you will need Guide 2 as well if it is for a shoebox NES.

For some reason (probably due to being rushed for Xmas 1985), Nintendo decided to bodge cart production and not make new NES cart boards, instead using Famicom cart boards and fitting Famicom-to-NES adapters on them. All you have to to is remove the adapter and you have your very own to use on regular games.

Find a US copy of Gyromite, Excitebike, Stack-Up, Hogan’s Alley, Urban Champion, or some other old Nintendo-made cart. It should feel slightly heavier than a normal Game Pak – the tip-off that there’s an adapter inside. You’ll need the type of screwdriver Nintendo used on NES carts – that’s a 3.8mm security screwdriver bit. Once inside, if you’ve got the right cartridge you’ll find that it’s a Famicom board attached to another board, with a 72-pin output: the Famicom-to-NES adapter. Remove it from the board & cart and enjoy!